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Michael Apted Takes Over 'Of Men and Mavericks' from Curtis Hanson

Sometimes you hear about trouble behind the scenes of major films, and replacing a key figure like a director means bad news for the production. However, in this case, the primary concern is with the health of an accomplished filmmaker as Deadline reports Michael Apted will finish the final 15 days of principal photography on the surfing drama Of Men and Mavericks starring Gerard Butler after director Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) has experienced health complications following a recent heart surgery. Apted begins working today on the film chronicling the life of big wave surfer Jay Moriarity in Northern California.

It's likely that once Hanson recuperates, the director will take his place in the editing room to see the film finished in post-production, so we're hoping that the director recovers swimmingly from his recent health ordeal. It'd be nice to get his game back after a disappointing turn with Lucky You. It's clear his passion and talent is still as sharp as ever with his direction of the HBO film Too Big to Fail, so let's hope he's brought that to Of Men and Mavericks so he might craft a film as engaging as his former films like L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys and even 8 Mile. Frankly, we're glad someone can step in to finish the film for Hanson, but Apted, whose last film was The Voyage of the Dawn Trader and previous efforts include The World is Not Enough, leaves something to be desired. We wish Mr. Hanson a speedy recovery.